PLAYS

The Last Nights of the Sunshine SAGE Club
A Play In Two Acts by William Fowkes
One man’s idea of heaven can be another’s worst nightmare.

Available for performance or publication.

For an excerpt, click here.

Description: The Last Nights of the Sunshine SAGE Club tells the tale of a group of retired gay men who finally have a chance to live out their fantasies. At the Sunshine SAGE Club, a social club in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, they can find camaraderie, romance, passion, jealousy, betrayal and all the other things you would ordinarily be more likely to see on display in a high school. For most members, Sunshine Sage is a bit of heaven on earth. Unfortunately, not everyone shares that sentiment.

Synopsis:

ACT ONE

     At Sunshine SAGE, a social club for retired gay men in Fort Lauderdale, the members can’t help being attracted to its handsome massage therapist and assistant club manager, Brad Hall. Al Getz, for one, flirts with him whenever he gets a massage. Brad rebuffs his advances, but still treats him attentively, because he knows that Al used to be Todd Haynes, a Hollywood heartthrob from the 1950s and 60s, and refuses to believe that such a big star could really be gay. Recently-arrived retiree and former agent, Robby Smirnoff swoons more openly over Brad, frustrated that he won’t take him on as a massage client.

     At country dancing night, dance instructor Mary King is attracted to new arrival John Strathmore when she learns that he is in mourning for the death of his wife. She leaves before John explains to the others that he is indeed gay—and has been openly gay for years—but thinks it’s perfectly normal to fall in love and have a relationship with someone regardless of their sex or sexual orientation. A skeptical Robby cross-examines him and accuses him of having been a male prostitute.

     During another massage session, Brad and Al argue about the Bible. Curious about why he is so judgmental, Al learns that Brad discovered that his father was gay when he was arrested for having sex at a highway rest area. When Al tries to console him, he starts to break down, admitting that he’s afraid—because he has the same urges as his father. When Al offers to help him, he lunges at him and kisses him. Al reciprocates.  

ACT TWO

     Two weeks later, Brad spurns Al, having second thoughts about their new relationship. Meanwhile, Mary tries to get to know John better, offering advice on how to deal with grief, but warning him not to waste his time hanging out with gay men. When he explains that he’s gay too, she accuses him of leading her on and storms off. A week later, it’s Al’s turn to rebuff Brad’s attempt to get back together again. Robby is jealous to discover that Al is involved with someone. As he and John prepare for a tennis game, he comments on John’s improved attitude, but when John explains that he’s become involved with someone, he mistakenly assumes it’s Mary, and they get into a fight.

     One afternoon, Brad admits to Mary that he’s on a mission—that he hates these men and their lifestyle. Mary tries to warn Al, but he insists the young man is harmless. In a spotlight on a dark stage—after the sound of an explosion and a flash of light—Brad confesses to setting off a bomb at the club, saying he hopes his actions make gay men think twice before retiring to Fort Lauderdale. Robby protests when he learns that the owners are planning to shut down the club, but brightens at the news that John has broken up with his partner. Al comes rushing in to examine the damage, devastated by the news that Brad was responsible. When Mary arrives, we discover that she and John are now a couple. She prods the men to figure out a way to reopen the club. Robby comforts Al, reassuring him that other people care about him, too. Left alone, Al tells an absent Brad that he still loves him and just wishes he loved himself, too.

Cast: This play calls for a cast of 5 actors

AL GETZ - male (age 69). Appears in 9 scenes. Handsome, successful realtor. Former movie star, Todd Haynes. Lived a private gay life for many years. Came out publicly five years ago. Sexually forward and frisky, but always a gentleman.

BRAD HALL - male (age 30). Appears in 8 scenes. Assistant manager of Sunshine SAGE. Lusted after by many members of the club. Attractive but mercurial—alternately flirtatious and standoffish.

ROBBY SMIRNOFF - male (age 75). Retired agent. Flamboyant and funny. Sweet but sharp-tongued. Likes much younger men.

JOHN STRATHMORE - male (age 66). Retired company man. Straight-laced and conservative in appearance. Openly gay all his life, but recently widowed from a woman to whom he was married for 10 years. Distracted by his mourning.

MARY KING - female (age 55). Ballroom dance instructor. A Southern woman who prefers the company of gay men. Funny, sexy, and warm-hearted.

Setting: The lounge of the Sunshine SAGE Club in Fort Lauderdale, Florida—a social club for senior gay men.

The Time: Early 21st century.

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